A pregnant women looking at pictures of an ultrasound. Prenatal care-health care that keeps you and your baby healthy." width="500" height="197" />A pregnant women looking at pictures of an ultrasound. Prenatal care-health care that keeps you and your baby healthy." width="500" height="197" />
Your baby is growing and your body is changing, and the more you know about what’s happening in your body, the more in control you’ll feel. That’s why one of the most important things you can do is choose a prenatal care provider who can help you while you’re pregnant. A provider who sees you regularly, can spot health problems early and can talk to you about how you can help your unborn baby.
Mothers in prenatal care have healthier pregnancies—mothers who are not in care are three times more likely to have a baby of low birth weight and five times more likely to have a baby who dies at birth.
Your local health department can connect you to the services that can keep you in prenatal care while you’re pregnant.
If you’re at a low income and eligible, Presumptive Eligibility for Pregnant Women (PEPW) will be your first step toward prenatal coverage. PEPW is temporary coverage that can keep you healthy early in your pregnancy before Medicaid kicks in.
In Florida, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) determines Medicaid eligibility for prenatal care. After PEPW, Medicaid will cover you for the rest of your pregnancy.
Healthy Start offers services to pregnant women, infants and children up to age three. Services include: provider referral, ongoing care coordination, and childbirth, breastfeeding and parenting support.
